John Pearce Bunting

John Pearce Bunting
September 6, 1929 – April 27, 2017
Died on Thursday, April 27th, 2017 at the Credit Valley Hospital. Survived by wife Stephanie and former wife, Bodil; five children: Brenda, Lisa, Mark, Keeley, and Charles Pearce; granddaughters Zoë, Sofia and Eve; sister Harriet ‘Sis’ Bunting Bunting and brother G. Rapley Bunting.
Of the many accomplishments in his lifetime, Pearce was most proud of being the President and CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange from 1977 – 1994. During those years, he was instrumental in setting up the Computer Assisted Trading System (CATS) and was able to sell the system internationally. Pearce also developed the world’s first exchange traded fund (ETF), called the Toronto 35 Index Participation Fund, which was launched on the TSE in 1990. In addition, Pearce was appointed President of the International Federation of Stock Exchanges for a two-year term.
Pearce attended Appleby College (1947), where he won prizes in religion class and for long distance running, setting a school record in the mile, which stood for several decades. He then attended McGill University, earning a Bachelor of Commerce in 1952. Pearce embarked on a career in the investment business, eventually joining his father’s firm, Alfred Bunting and Company.
Later in life, Pearce served on Appleby’s board as governor, chairman and president, and as president of St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital. A voracious reader, his other pleasures included golf, tennis, bridge, skiing and his dogs. Pearce said being at Logan Lake, where he built a family cottage, was a transformative experience for him. He also said the best time of his life was travelling with Stephanie after he retired.
A memorial service will be held in the John Bell Chapel at Appleby College on Saturday, May 13 at 3 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favourite charity would be appreciated. Please visit the Book of Memories at www.wardfuneralhome.com